Meet the Vocations Directors

Fr. Alan Valencia
Director of Vocations and Seminarians

(520) 838-2531
avalencia@diocesetucson.org

 
Elizabeth Suaso
Administrative Assistant to Vocations

(520) 838-2537
esuaso@diocesetucson.org

Vocations Office
520-838-2531
vocations@diocesetucson.org

Fr. Alan Valencia

A native of Ambos Nogales, Fr. Alan Valencia attended and graduated from Nogales High School in Nogales, Arizona. He studied at Mount Angel Seminary and graduated from the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary and earned his Masters of Divinity following four years of graduate work.
 
He was ordained in Tucson at St. Augustine Cathedral by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas on June 6, 2015.
 
Fr. Alan Valencia has served at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande, AZ as a parochial vicar, at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Parish as pastor, and currently, is serving as pastor and rector of St. Augustine Cathedral. Fr. Alan is also the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Tucson.

Fr. Abundio Colazo-Lopez
Originally from Coolidge, Fr. Abundio is currently serving at St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson. With hobbies that include drawing, painting, and calligraphy, Fr. Abundio wanted to be a priest so that he could "serve our communities by providing the sacraments and journey together in holiness." Fr. Abundio was ordained in 2023.

✉ acolazo-lopez@diocesetucson.org

Fr. Jesus Gomez
A Tucson native, Fr. Jesus is currently serving at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande. "I asked myself, 'how can I best serve others?' I realized that following Christ in the priesthood would be the best way I can bring others to Christ and the mercy of God to his people." Fr. Jesus enjoys puzzles, playing guitar, and playing sports. Fr. Jesus was ordained in 2023.

✉ jfgomez@diocesetucson.org

Fr. Luis Pablo Ochoa Escarrega
Originally from Nogales, Sonora, Fr. Luis Pablo is currently serving at Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma. With hobbies that include cooking, photography, and outdoor actitivies, Fr. Luis Pablo said, "I want to be a bridge-builder between God and his people." Fr. Luis Pablo was ordained in 2023.

✉ lochoaescarrega@diocesetucson.org

Fr. Richard Rivera
Originally from Sierra Vista, Fr. Richard is currently serving at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Tucson. Fr. Richard is a coffee enthusiast and enjoys hiking and traveling. He said, "I want people to know their great capacity to be saints." Fr. Richard was ordained in 2022.

✉ rrivera@diocesetucson.org

Fr. Roberto Villablanca
Originally from the Philippines, Fr. Roberto is currently serving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Yuma. With hobbies that include playing basketball, hiking, and reading, Fr. Roberto said, "God called me to be his instrument to bring people into a deeper relationship with him through the Sacraments, which gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and joy." Fr. Roberto was ordained in 2023.

✉ ​​​​​​​rvillablanca@diocesetucson.org